International Towers to reopen August 21, DoubleTree allowed to reopen Monday

After being displaced from their homes for over two months, residents of International Towers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they can come back home soon.

Youngstown Fire Chief Barry Finley has declared that the demolition of the Realty Building in downtown Youngstown has reached a point where nearby buildings are able to reopen. 

This means the neighboring International Towers apartment building can reopen Wednesday, August 21 following the removal of debris blocking the building's fire escape.

From there, residents will be told the exact dates and processes for when they can start to return home.

Additionally, the Stambaugh Building that houses the DoubleTree hotel and Bistro 1907 restaurant was given authorization to reopen on Monday, August 19 and business operations are allowed resume in the building.

However, the general manager of the DoubleTree tells 21 News they will not be resuming operations until Wednesday. Additionally, Bistro 1907's owner tells 21 News he does not plan on reopening until September due to rebranding. 

Owner Mark Canzonetta has some concerns about the construction downtown.

"I want people, when they come back to downtown, to say oh, there's no detour signs, there's no construction signs, there's no bulldozers in the area. I want the optics to be the Youngstown of 2018," with 

According to a post on Bistro 1907's Facebook page, the restaurant will be renamed "Case di Canzonetta," which promises to serve "the best Italian food in the Valley."

The restaurant will be located at the same address and space as Bistro and has a tentative opening date of September 30.

Meanwhile, the east side of Market Street and East Federal Street will remain closed until debris removal is complete.

Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown is quoted in a release stating the city can see the light at the end of the tunnel following the deadly explosion at the Realty Building back in May.

"Now is the time to think big about how we can come back more resilient and more vibrant than ever before. In the coming weeks, we'll announce more plans and events to bring people back, celebrate our city and begin the hard work of planning for our successful future," Mayor Brown said.